The reality TV show Dragon’s Den is very popular.
However, like almost all reality TV, it’s not very ‘real.’ The second you point a camera at people, they start to perform. In my experience, the format of the show is not that ‘real’ either. I have attended VC meetings for over a decade, where sums from hundreds of thousands to millions have been discussed, and it’s never been anything like the Dragon’s Den TV show.
That’s EXACTLY as it should be though! The TV show is designed to entertain, which it does very successfully. Typical meetings with angel investors are a little dry for mainstream TV. Those that are not, are far too animated for prime-time viewing.
I was talking with an angel investor last week and he told me that since the TV show, some people seeking investment funds are expecting the real process to be like the TV show. He said that when they do, he calmly explains that the format of the Dragon’s Den show is about as accurate as the show’s title:
“Dragons don’t live in dens. Dragons lived in lairs. LIONS live in dens!”
I then wondered why I had never thought of that!
Photo: Wili Hybrid
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You know what I hadn’t thought of that, maybe ‘Dragons Den’ just sounded better than ‘Dragons Lair’?
Hi Jutta. Seems an odd mistake to make really.
Heres a tip:
If you see someone who claims to know anything about business and they are quoting from that show, use it as a shortcut to ignore them.
Its a great way to seperate the self proclaimed business gurus from the real business leaders.
Hi again Calvin. I see a LOT of people, who quote from the show on Twitter. Your idea of using that as a filter is interesting – thanks for sharing!
My husband loves that programme but I am more inclined to agree with your assessment of “reality” shows in general. Most of them are like a poorly acted soap opera if you as me!
Agreed.
Interesting. These reality shows are as fake as ever. Only 10% of it is real and rest is used to spice up the show. BTW, the show is quiet enjoyable.
It should only be used as an example of mass-market entertainment. As you say Rinnell, totally fake.
Dragons den is nothing like real business. Its designed for people who know zero about business. That’s why you hear non business people talking about it.
Dumbed down TV for for ill informed sheep.
You are right that it’s mainly people with very little business experience, who talk about the show.
It should be seen as entertainment, Shane.
Very true. The programme is all about the dragons, their self publicising and self promotion for a career outside investing into business commentating and paid for endorsements.
Anyone on there ‘looking for investment’ is is used as fodder for the stocks, to let the panellists show their wit with a mix of smugness and bullying that would never be allowed in a real VC meeting.
Mind you, its Venture Capital for those who think that The Apprentice is really about business…
Some interesting points there Mervyn – thanks sir!
Hey Jim,
having just finished filming for the Irish version of the Dragons Den yesterday I agree with you 100%. There is definately an element of the Dragons playing up to the camera.
At one point one of the dragons whipped out a scrolling LED badge saying I’m out. I don’t know about you, but I would assume most VCs or angels don’t make sure they pack their LED badge at 6am before they head off to work. Saying that I’d say we made for some great tv.
It is a very false environment to discuss business and is made to benefit tv and not those looking for investment.
Eoin.
Hi Eoin – Your experience is 100% consistent with everything I have heard.
Thanks for sharing it here sir.
I don’t watch reality shows for this same reason they are All fake made to be real but how You said something happens when the camera goes on.
However, please don’t watch to many of these show it could rub off you know!
Yell, just looking out for your mental health my friend!
Norman Flecha
My mental health needs all the help it can get – thanks!!
I put Dragon’s Den in the same category as The Apprentice/w Donald Trump.
Agreed Tony. It’s the same blend of entertainment over authenticity.
Like the article! I met someone who had appeared on the ‘show’ and secured investment, but they imformed me that the subsequent due dilegence that a Dragon does is incredibly thorough and that it is not paid for by them.
These Dragon’s didnt get where they are without being meticulous! Mind you, they cant be doing that well as you then see Peter Jones being a prat on a trolley and fiddling with his tie for an online comparison site!!
Thanks for the comment Paul. I don’t think anyone’s casting doubt as to the individual business acumen of the people fronting the show – just that it’s not an accurate picture of what really happens at VC meetings.
As you can see from people that were directly involved in the show, the process is designed for entertainment – not as a guide to obtaining funding.